EZ-Link has launched a new digital platform for the TRUST Programme, to allow more consumers to be protected for their purchases of spa and wellness prepaid packages.

The platform comprises a Customer App, a Merchant App and a Merchant Administration Portal.

In a press statement on Tuesday, March 26, EZ-Link said since its launch in 2015, TRUST has provided assurance and security to customers across more than 48 spa and wellness operators. Iin the event that these merchants cease operations, the consumers are assured of the refund of un-utilised value in their package.

Features of the TRUST Customer App include transaction history checking and reviewing of package details and balance. Photo courtesy: EZ-Link

The beauty industry topped the list of complaints made to Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) in 2018. Almost half of the 1,829 complaints related to loss of consumers’ prepayments due to abrupt business closures and aggressive sales tactics.

With the new TRUST Customer App, customers of participating TRUST merchants can track their packages and transactions, contact their merchants and edit their contact details on the go. They also no longer have to present a card for package redemption.

The Merchant App is supported by an enhanced web-based Merchant Administration Portal. This allows for easier management product and user catalogues, approval of refunds, viewing and searching for customer transactions and assessing performance reports.

The TRUST Merchant App features include catalogue management, sale and redemption of packages and viewing of reports. Photo courtesy: EZ-Link

“The new and improved digital TRUST will extend greater user-friendliness and convenience to consumers. [At the same time,] it improves productivity, reduces operational costs and expands business opportunities for merchants," said Mr. Nicholas Lee, CEO of EZ-Link.

TRUST was initiated by CASE; and supported and endorsed by CaseTrust and the Spa and Wellness Association of Singapore (SWAS). Compared to insurance schemes, TRUST does not require upfront premium payment, lengthy sign-up time, underwriting of financial statements, bankers guarantee, cash collaterals, manual administration and annual renewal.

The TRUST Merchant App and Customer App are available for download for Android devices with immediate effect, and iOS devices in mid-April 2019.